Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imported wood products, including a 10% duty on lumber and a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered furniture. These measures, effective October 14, 2025, are justified under Section 232 of the Trade Act of 1974, citing national security concerns over the decline of the domestic wood industry.
The proclamation also warns that tariffs could rise to as much as 50% on certain products from countries that do not cooperate starting January 1, 2026.
Canada, the largest supplier of softwood lumber to the U.S., along with Vietnam and Mexico—key furniture exporters—are expected to be most affected. Canada has already earmarked $870 million in aid to support its softwood lumber sector.
Trade agreements with partners such as the UK, EU, and Japan are expected to limit the impact of these tariffs on certain goods, including automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, due to preset tariff caps. However, companies that rely on imports, including major retailers like Williams-Sonoma and RH, have expressed concerns about the effect on pricing and supply chains.
The announcement comes amid rising inflation and increasing costs for manufacturers and retailers, raising concerns about potential price hikes for consumers.